Question 1

Why do we want to explore Mars?

Accepted Answer

Mars is very interesting because it might have been like Earth long ago. Scientists want to know if there was ever life on Mars.

Question 2

What is the Mars rover?

Accepted Answer

A Mars rover is like a robot car that drives around on Mars. It takes pictures and collects information to help us learn more about the planet.

Question 3

How do rovers get to Mars?

Accepted Answer

Rovers are sent to Mars on big rockets. Once the rocket reaches Mars, the rover lands on the surface to start exploring.

Question 4

Why is Mars called the Red Planet?

Accepted Answer

Mars is called the Red Planet because its surface looks red. This is because there’s a lot of iron on the ground, which turns red, like rust.

Question 5

Can people live on Mars?

Accepted Answer

Right now, people can't live on Mars because it doesn't have air we can breathe. Scientists are working on ways to make it possible in the future.

Question 6

How long does it take to get to Mars?

Accepted Answer

It usually takes about six to nine months to travel to Mars from Earth. It depends on how far apart Earth and Mars are at the time.

Question 7

What do scientists hope to find on Mars?

Accepted Answer

Scientists hope to find signs that life once existed on Mars. They also want to learn more about Mars's history and climate.

Question 8

What’s the weather like on Mars?

Accepted Answer

Mars is very cold and dry. Sometimes, it has dust storms that cover the whole planet!

Question 9

Has anyone walked on Mars?

Accepted Answer

No one has walked on Mars yet, but NASA and other space agencies are planning missions to send people there in the future.

Question 10

Why is Mars exploration important for Earth?

Accepted Answer

Exploring Mars helps us understand more about how planets work. This might help us solve problems on Earth and learn how to take care of our planet better.

Question 11

What kind of things have the rovers found on Mars?

Accepted Answer

Rovers have found rocks and soil that show Mars used to have water. They have also found cool landscapes like mountains and valleys.

Question 12

How many rovers have been sent to Mars?

Accepted Answer

Several rovers have been sent to Mars, like Spirit, Opportunity, Curiosity, and Perseverance. Each one helps us discover something new about Mars.

Question 13

Do astronauts get to drive the Mars rover?

Accepted Answer

No, the Mars rover is driven by scientists and engineers here on Earth. They send commands to the rover using special technology.

Question 14

What are Mars's two moons called?

Accepted Answer

Mars has two small moons named Phobos and Deimos. They are much smaller and lumpier than Earth's moon.

Question 15

Why is there so much interest in finding water on Mars?

Accepted Answer

Water means there could have been life on Mars. If there's water, it also might help us live there someday.

Question 16

What was Mars like in the past?

Accepted Answer

A long time ago, Mars probably had rivers and lakes, much like Earth. It was warmer and had a thicker atmosphere.

Question 17

Why are there mountains on Mars?

Accepted Answer

Mars has volcanoes that created mountains long ago. In fact, it has the tallest volcano in the solar system called Olympus Mons.

Question 18

How do scientists control the Mars rover from Earth?

Accepted Answer

Scientists send signals to the rover using antennas and satellites. It’s kind of like sending text messages, but it takes longer because Mars is far away.

Question 19

What color is the sky on Mars?

Accepted Answer

The sky on Mars usually looks pinkish-brown because of the dust in the atmosphere. But it can also look blue sometimes, just like on Earth!

Question 20

What do rovers do when there's a dust storm on Mars?

Accepted Answer

When there’s a dust storm, rovers go into a sort of safe mode to protect themselves. They wait for the storm to pass before they continue exploring.

The Wonders of Mars Exploration - 20 FAQs Explained Simply